The Second Opium War, which took place between 1856 and 1860, resulted in a significant loss of life. Although exact figures are difficult to determine, estimates suggest that between 20,000 to 50,000 Chinese soldiers and civilians died as a direct result of the conflict.
This war was fought between Qing Dynasty China and the British Empire, with France joining the British in support. The conflict stemmed from China’s attempts to suppress the opium trade, which had caused social and economic turmoil within the country. The war led to a series of military confrontations, ultimately resulting in the defeat of Chinese forces.
Furthermore, the war exacerbated social unrest in China, leading to broader casualties from famine and disease, although those numbers are not directly attributed to the fighting itself. Overall, the Second Opium War had profound consequences for China, both politically and socially, and the loss of life was one tragic aspect of this tumultuous period.